Audi a Serious Contender For the C-Segment with New Audi A4 1.8T

Audi a Serious Contender For the C-Segment with New Audi A4 1.8T

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Shah Alam, 26 June 2008 – Euromobil Sdn Bhd, the local importers for the Audi brand is taking a serious look at the C-segment with the launch of the new Audi A4, 1.8T. First unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last fall, the sleek-looking new A4 is here at last, brought in by Euromobil Sdn Bhd as a CBU.

The A4 is in direct competition with the BMW 320i, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class; with a retail price of RM235k for the standard model, and RM260k for the ‘S’ Line model which comes with a body kit, the Audi offers individuality for the buyer who wants a car that looks different from the mainstream cars.

The 1.8 litre TSFi engine comes from the same family of 4-cylinder engines in the Volkswagen Group, and the fact that this engine is common in some of the Volkswagen and Skoda cars implies that parts should not be a problem. With 160 horses under the bonnet, the Audi A4 offers a good balance between sporty performance and reasonable fuel economy. Although the engine is similar, the engine layout is north-south rather than east –west, in readiness for the Quattro version.

Drive is through the front wheels, supplemented by ESP, and steering is through an EPS (Electric power Steering) system. Transmission is an 8-speed CVT with paddle shifters mounted at the back of the three-spoke steering wheel. According to Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir, Chairman of Euromobil Sdn Bhd, the Audi A4’s front-rear weight distribution has been optimized for better handling.

Buyers of the Audi A4 will appreciate the high specification level that comes even with the standard model. The main feature that will endear the A4 to its buyers would be the ‘Audi Drive Select’, which is basically an electronically controlled active suspension package that allows the user to select any of three pre-set settings that ranges form comfort to firm and sports. In addition, the engine behaviour, gear change settings and steering feel change with each setting. Now driving enthusiasts can ‘tune’ the suspension and other settings to their individual preferences when on the road. It is like having three cars in one.

Also new is a set of daylight running lights shaped like an ‘S’ curve, which was an instant hit with the media who attended the launch ceremony at Audi’s premium Hangar Showroom.

Aw shall be attending a media test drive of this exciting new car next week; keep your eyes on this site for a more comprehensive drive report.

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